A NEW passport has been launched to encourage employees to keep their spending local.

The South Devon Employee Passport has been taken on by some of the largest employers in Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay to encourage their staff to spend their cash locally.

The scheme, founded by Newton Abbot businessman and Totnes councillor Chris Robillard, has already been adopted by all three local authorities as well as South Devon College and other big businesses.

Altogether 70 employers are on board.

Mr Robillard said: "More than 9,000 employees in South Devon will be receiving the passport.

"It is designed to generate local spending, keep the money local and kick start the economy."

Mr Robillard said he had run similar schemes with automobile firms in other parts of the country and had proved successful.

Mr Robillard said: "I thought it would do well in the South Devon area. It's a way of helping businesses get back on their feet.

"This scheme is free for employees and free for the employers. It's a win-win situation."

The Passport, which offers discounts on gym memberships, wines, dining out and other activities, was officially launched last week with Bay mayor Nick Bye signing up to the scheme on behalf of Torbay Council.